Aubree Lane, Volleyball

From Sandpoint, Idaho to the Spokane Colleges volleyball court, sophomore Aubree Lane has built her journey on resilience, family support, and a love for the game that started when she was just eight years old.

Her first experiences with volleyball came at local camps, where she played alongside her sister. A family connection introduced them to club volleyball, and by 13 Aubree was competing at a higher level. Though she spent much of her childhood in gymnastics, volleyball quickly became her true passion.

Her sister, now in nursing school, didn’t continue the sport beyond high school, but the bond they built through volleyball remains special. “Yeah, we’re close,” Aubree said with a smile.

Balancing academics and athletics is never easy, but Aubree has found her rhythm. Splitting her time between online and in-person classes helps her manage long road trips and early mornings that come with the Sasquatch schedule. “During season, I actually prefer online classes,” she said. “It’s tough to come back from a late road trip and then wake up for an 8:00 am class the next morning.”

One of Aubree’s proudest moments as a Sasquatch came after a major setback. Early last season, she sprained her ankle and was sidelined for the first time in her career. It was a tough challenge, more mental than physical, but she pushed through and finished the year with Second Team All-Region honors and a Team MVP award. “At first, my brain was protecting it more than it needed to,” she said. “Eventually, I told myself, if it’s not hurting too bad, I just need to push through.”

Her resilience has shaped the competitor she is today, and when it comes to inspiration, Aubree points straight to her parents. “I guess both of my parents, but it’s my dad,” she said. “Neither of them ever miss my games, even if we’re playing in Seattle. Just knowing they’re always in the stands means everything. Being able to support people the way my dad does is something I want to do for others.”

That steady support, combined with her own drive, helps her stay grounded even after tough losses. “I always remind myself that one game doesn’t define who I am. The world keeps spinning, and life goes on.”

Heading into her second season, Aubree is focused on helping Spokane make a postseason run and qualify for the NWAC tournament. She knows the team’s strengths lie in speed and defense and believes trusting their style of play will be key.

This year she has also stepped into more of a leadership role, helping new players adjust, including teammates from Hawaii. “We’re all the same age as the freshmen, just with one extra year of experience, so we try to make sure they feel included without overdoing it. Everyone has to find their place.”

That mindset connects to the team’s culture, summed up with the acronym PODS: Patience, Understanding, Discipline, Accountability, and Selflessness. It’s a standard they hold each other to, but also a lighthearted inside joke that’s helped them bond.

For younger athletes with college dreams, Aubree’s advice is simple: believe in yourself. “Coming from Sandpoint, it felt like such a small world, and for a while I didn’t think playing college volleyball was even an option. But you have to believe in yourself first before others will believe in you.”

Quiet at first, but witty and fun once you get to know her, Aubree has become a central part of Spokane’s volleyball family. Her story is one of persistence, leadership, and heart, and a true example of what it means to be a Sasquatch.